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5 area Republicans seek 2 county board seats

Two Republican candidates from the 9th District and three Republicans from the 10th District are vying to become Ottawa County commissioners.

Krystle Wagner

Northwest Ottawa County

Aug 3, 2012

The winners in the Aug. 7 primary will go onto the fall general election ballot, but only the 10th District Republican will be challenged in November — by Democrat Don Munski of Spring Lake. There is no opposition in the fall for the 9th District.

Don't know the district where you live? Click on the district map at the bottom of this story.

9th District:

Ken David of Grand Haven Township is running for county commissioner because he wants to make a difference.

David, a retired airline employee of 37 years, became involved in politics four or five years ago. He is a member of the Ottawa County Republicans Executive Committee; a current precinct delegate for Grand Haven Township; a U.S. Navy veteran; and a member of Right to Life, Gun Owners of America, Ottawa County Patriots and Right to Work.

David said what sets him apart from the other candidates is his belief in limited government.

Philip Kuyers of Olive Township said he is running for re-election to the County Board of Commissioners because he wants to continue doing what he enjoys.

Kuyers is a dairy farmer and owner of a golf course. His political background includes being on the Ottawa County Farm Bureau for six years and president for three years. He has been on the County Board of Commissioners for 12 years and is the current chairman.

Kuyers said his leadership and business experience sets him apart from the other candidates.

10th District:

Roger Bergman of Grand Haven is running for commissioner because he wants to continue representing Ottawa County.

Bergman has been the owner of a small business owner for 46 years. He led a financial counseling program at his church. His political background includes being on the Chamber of Commerce Board in Holland and serving on Grand Haven City Council for 12 years. He was mayor during his last eight years on council.

Bergman said his experience and knowledge of the time commitment involved in being an elected official sets him apart from the other candidates. He said he has the ability to make himself available.

Jeffery Stille of Ferrysburg said he is running for commissioner because he wants to take his skills and experience to a higher level.

Stille’s political experience includes being part of the Ferrysburg Recreation Commission in 1988 and serving on the Ferrysburg Planning Commission in 1998. In 2003, he was elected to the Ferrysburg City Council. From 2007 to 2011, he served as mayor. He was a liaison between the Planning Commission and City Council from 2003 to 2007.

Stille said his experience, knowledge and history of the area sets him apart from other candidates.

Tim O’Donnell, also of Ferrysburg, said he is running for commissioner because he wants to be part of the "revolution" to getting back Constitutional values with limited government and spending.

O’Donnell said he has more than 30 years of public service experience. During those years, he has been an emergency medical technician and is currently a member of the Ferrysburg Fire Department. He’s a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Chaplains Corps, and does volunteer work.

O’Donnell said what sets him apart from other candidates is that he isn’t a politician, and he’s a servant for the people.